Iowa Russet
Apple
Iowa Russet
Origin and History
This variety originated with Joseph L. Budd of Shellsburg, Iowa. It is described as a valuable acquisition for the prairie country.
Tree
Very hardy and vigorous, making a compact, round head. An early, annual, and abundant bearer, even in fruit size. Young shoots light reddish yellow brown.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium; oblate to roundish oblate, sometimes slightly oblique.
Skin: Deep yellow, with a shade of pale red when exposed to the sun. Moderately sprinkled with grayish dots and partially covered with patches and nettings of russet.
Stem and Cavity: Stalk short and small; cavity quite large.
Calyx and Basin: Calyx closed. Basin round, quite deep, nearly smooth.
Flesh and Flavor: Yellowish, half fine, tender, moderately juicy, mild subacid, rather rich. Quality: good to very good.
Core and Seeds: Core small. Not further described in source.
Season
January to March.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes or Variants
Not described in source.
Other
The fruit is noted for its even sizing.
Book Sources
Described in 1 period pomological work
View original book sources (1)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Iowa Russet.
This new apple originated with Joseph L. Budd, Shellsburg, Iowa, who informs us that the tree is very hardy, vigorous, making a compact round head, an early, annual, and abundant bearer; fruit even in size, of good quality, and a valuable acquisition for the prairie country. Young shoots light reddish yellow brown.
Fruit medium, oblate to roundish oblate, sometimes slightly oblique; skin deep yellow, a shade of pale red when exposed to the sun, moderately sprinkled with grayish dots, and partially covered with patches and nettings of russet; stalk short, small; cavity quite large; calyx closed; basin round, quite deep, nearly smooth; flesh yellowish, half fine, tender, moderately juicy, mild subacid, rather rich; good to very good; core small. January, March.